In Your Eye

Two models, two photographers and two brand owners join a teacher and a student, and a stylist and her assistant in an exchange of beliefs on their roles in the fashion industry.

Is the future generation idealistic?

Shannon: I would think that Gen Z have their views and voices and want them to be heard. This is why I love Gen Z. So I would say that I feel that they have to have this idealism  — but it’s not a bad thing. I see idealism as a positive in fashion’s context; it’s what we need in the fashion industry. Idealism is magical — and at the same time — it’s a commitment because then you’re committed to manifesting this idealism into many forms, like the ideals of sustainability and inclusivity, which they care about. It’s needed to fuel and to bring about change and innovation. That is the only way to push the fashion industry forward because you need that sort of thinking to disrupt, innovate, speculate, provoke, advocate anything that you guys stand for and believe in. I think fashion as the medium is a very powerful medium to bring about change. Do you resonate with what I believe?

Sherry: Yeah, I think fashion can make a statement. Especially when you look at, say, sustainability. I mean, we kind of are the problem. The place to start would be with us.

Shannon: Yeah! And the fashion industry requires fresh ideas like this. It’s this kind of mindset that would be able to bring about change and transform the fashion industry. The only change comes from you all because you’re the future generation, whether we’re talking about Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or whatever Gen to come after.